Soleil Errico and Taylor Jensen Claim Victory at Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic

Soleil Errico Goes Back-to-Back at Bells Beach
Natsumi Taoka and John Michael Van Hohenstein Finish Runners-Up
Focus Shifts to Huntington Beach Longboard Classic

Pictured: Finalists at the 2024 Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic [Left to Right] John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW), Taylor Jensen (USA), Natsumi Taoka (JPN) and Soleil Errico (USA). Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers

BELLS BEACH, Victoria, Australia (Sunday, July 21, 2024) – Soleil Errico (USA) and Taylor Jensen (USA) have claimed victory at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, Stop No. 1 of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour (LT). The Californian duo overcame a field of the world’s best longboarders to win as Bells Beach turned on the best day of the window with super clean, pumping waves in the three-to-four-foot range.

Soleil Errico Goes Back-to-Back at Bells Beach

Reigning three-time WSL World Longboard Champion Soleil Errico (USA) came into the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic as one of the favourites, having claimed victory at this event last year in its maiden appearance on the Longboard Tour. The stylish young Californian had been building all week, posting some of the highest scores of the entire event, including a 17.40 heat total and near-perfect 9.50 single ride in her Semifinal, the highest wave score and two-wave total of the entire event.

“It feels really good to get the win again,” Errico said. “Today is a day I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I felt so calm all day. The waves were reminding me so much of home; that’s how Malibu gets when the winds are calm and the tide is high. I’m just really glad it all worked out.”

In the Final, Errico came up against Japan’s Natsumi Taoka (JPN), who was appearing in her first Longboard Tour Final. The pair went back and forth, trading waves and mid-range scores, with Errico holding the advantage with an 8.00-point ride. With only minutes left, Errico found a set and got to work, carving and swooping in the pocket, then walking to the nose on multiple sections for long hang-tens. Errico earned a 9.33, the second-highest single wave of the event, to put Taoka into a combination situation (needing two scores for the lead). It was too much for Taoka to come back from, leaving Errico to take her second win at Bells Beach in as many years.

“I’m so lucky to have the support crew that I have around me,” Errico continued. “CJ Nelson is just the best, and my dad and mum are great, and then all my friends and family at home. I’d like to thank everyone who has come on this journey with me. It’s a crazy journey but days like this make it all worth it. I’m really excited to keep surfing and keep it going.”

Taylor Jensen Claims Memorable Victory

Three-time WSL World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen (USA) has claimed one of the most memorable event wins of his career. For the first time, he earned a victory at Bells Beach, joining his father-in-law and fellow World Champion Nat Young on the winner’s list at this iconic location.

“I’ve been looking at all of the bells trophies at the house over the last few weeks and wondering if I’ll get my own Bells Bowl to bring home,” Jensen said. “And I guess I do now, so I’m really happy. It’s such an amazing location with so much history, so to come here and compete is really special, but to win is amazing. I lost in the semifinals last year and have had a bit of a chip on my shoulder since then so to get this win is really special. It’s pretty cool to win here.”

In the Final, Longboard Tour veteran Jensen came up against Hawaiian youngster John Michael Van Hohensein (HAW) in what was a battle that went down to the wire. Van Hohensein took an early lead until Jensen found the first score of consequence, posting an 8.33 for a series of long nose-rides and powerful carves. Van Hohensein then fought back, finding a perfectly shaped set wave and riding the nose through a long, critical section, then finishing with a tight turn and closeout rebound to take the lead with a 9.33. With only 2 minutes left, Jensen used priority on a medium set, went straight to the nose for a hang-ten, then carved up and down all the way to the shore to post another excellent score and end the heat with a two-wave total of 16.40. Then, a minute later, Van Hohensein took off on a set, needing a score and surfed it as well as he could, but the wave ran out of push, and the score wasn’t enough, leaving Jensen to take the win.

“They are the heats you want that go down to the wire and put on a show for everyone.” Jensen continued. “To go back and forth with Johnny is amazing; he is so talented and will be winning world titles in no time. So to win against him here at Bells, in perfect surf, is a dream come true.”

Natsumi Taoka and John Michael Van Hohenstein Finish Runner’s Up

Although she wasn’t able to get the win, it was a massively successful event for Natsumi Taoka (JPN), who posted some of the highest heat totals of the event on Finals Day as well, earning the biggest result of her career. Taoka will now head to California, sitting second in the world and with a great chance of campaigning for her maiden World Title.

“Making a Final has always been a dream for me, so this is a dream come true for me,” Taoka said. “I didn’t have the best performance in the final but I’m happy with my surfing for the last few days. I have been here at Bells Beach for 10 days and have had so many good waves. It’s a great place, and I’ve had an amazing time.”

John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) was a standout performer all week, earning some of the biggest single-wave scores of the event for his style and poise on the nose and powerful carves in transition. Van Hohensein’s 9.33 in the Final was the highest single-ride score of the entire event. Today’s runner-up finish is his equal best-ever result as he looks to lock in a spot at the Longboard Tour Finals to be held in El Salvador later this year.

“It’s been a great week here at Bells,” Van Hohensein said. “This wave is super fun, and although the conditions have been tricky at times this week, today was amazing. I always just kept my head up this week and am stoked to get to this point.”

For highlights from today’s competition at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Final Results:
1. Taylor Jensen (USA) 16.40
2. John Michael Van Hohensein (HAW) 15.96Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Final Results:
1: Soleil Errico (USA) 17.33
2: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 12.50

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 16.16 DEF. Ben Skinner (GBR) 15.10
HEAT 2: Taylor Jensen (USA) 14.83 DEF. Kai Sallas (HAW) 13.00

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 16.00 DEF. Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 11.16
HEAT 2: Soleil Errico (USA) 17.40 DEF. Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 11.93

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 16.67 DEF. Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 14.56
HEAT 2: Ben Skinner (GBR) 16.30 DEF. Declan Wyton (AUS) 15.56
HEAT 3: Kai Sallas (HAW) 16.53 DEF. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) 14.33
HEAT 4: Taylor Jensen (USA) 15.50 DEF. Kevin Skvarna (USA) 15.23

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 13.10 DEF. Rachael Tilly (USA) 11.20
HEAT 2: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 15.17 DEF. Sophia Culhane (HAW) 12.80
HEAT 3: Soleil Errico (USA) 14.23 DEF. Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 11.10
HEAT 4: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 16.34 DEF. Mason Schremmer (USA) 13.30

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Round of 16 Remaining Results:
HEAT 7: Taylor Jensen (USA) 16.16 DEF. Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 6.00
HEAT 8: Kevin Skvarna (USA) 11.84 DEF. Tony Silvagni (USA) 8.50

2024 WSL Longboard Tour Schedule of 4 events:

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic (Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia): July 18 – 21, 2024
Huntington Beach Longboard Classic (Huntington Beach, Calif., USA): August 3 – 11, 2024 (Longboard division will be August 3 – 6 to allow Olympic athletes time to travel from Tahiti to the US Open of Surfing)
Stop No. 3 – Location and Specific Dates to be announced: September 2024
Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships (El Sunzal, El Salvador): October 9 – 13, 2024

Next Stop: Huntington Beach Longboard Classic
The next stop on the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour will be the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic, which will see longboarding return to Surf City USA as part of the Lexus US Open of Surfing. The Huntington Beach Longboard Classic holds an event window from August 3 – 6, 2024. All competitions will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.The 2024 Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic is proudly sponsored by Bioglan, Visit Victoria, Bonsoy, GWM, and Surf Coast Shire.For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

Finals Day Called ON at Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic
Men’s Round of 16 Remaining Heats to Commence at 7:50 a.m. Sunday AEST (11:50am Saturday HI Time)
Women’s and Men’s Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Finals to Follow
Event Winners to be Crowned Today at Bells Beach
GO LIVE ON YOUTUBE HERE

Pictured: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) will hit the water in the Quarterfinal 2 today at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic. Credit: © WSL / Nic Stephens

BELLS BEACH, Victoria, Australia (Sunday, July 21, 2024) – Finals Day has been called ON at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, Stop No. 1 of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour (LT). Competition will commence at 7:50 a.m. AEST time with the men’s Round of 16 remaining heats. Women’s and men’s Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Finals will follow. The event winners for this year’s competition will be crowned today as Bells Beach is delivering super clean surf in the three-to-four-foot range.

The first heat of the day will see three-time WSL World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen (USA) go head-to-head with Hawaiian youngster Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW).

The opening heat of the women’s Quarterfinals will witness perennial title threat Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) do battle with former WSL World Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA) as both surfers look to get their 2024 campaign off to the perfect start.

Reigning Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic winner Kai Sallas (HAW) will have his work cut out for him in Quarterfinal 3 when he takes on form surfer Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL).

Watch the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) vs. Rachael Tilly (USA)
HEAT 2: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Natsumi Taoka (JPN)
HEAT 3: Soleil Errico (USA) vs. Zoe Grospiron (FRA)
HEAT 4: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Mason Schremmer (USA)Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Round of 16 Remaining Matchups:
HEAT 7: Taylor Jensen (USA) vs. Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW)
HEAT 8: Tony Silvagni (USA) vs. Kevin Skvarna (USA)Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) vs. John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW)
HEAT 2: Ben Skinner (GBR) vs. Declan Wyton (AUS)
HEAT 3: Kai Sallas (HAW) vs. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL)
HEAT 4: TBCPRIOR UPDATES BELOW

Stage Set For Finals Day at Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic
Wyton Claims Clutch Victory Over Fellow Aussie For Quarterfinal Spot
Young Guns Earn Quarterfinal Berths at Bells Beach
World Champions Dominate Day 3 of Competition
Bells is 20 hours ahead of HI time

Pictured: Declan Wyton (AUS) carving his way to a memorable heat win today at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic. Credit: © WSL / Nic Stephens

BELLS BEACH, Victoria, Australia (Saturday, July 20, 2024) – The stage has been set for Finals Day at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, Stop No. 1 of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour (LT). Day 3 witnessed a massive day of competition with the completion of the men’s Elimination Round as well as the women’s Round of 16 and Heats 1 – 6 of the men’s Round of 16. On a blustery winter’s day, Bells Beach showed a number of faces with clean, small conditions becoming bigger and messier throughout the day.

Wyton Claims Clutch Victory Over Fellow Aussie For Quarterfinal Spot

Australian duo Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) and Declan Wyton (AUS) contested the heat of the event so far, with both competitors putting on a clinic right down to the wire to see Wyton claim the win eventually. Ellice-Flint had the early advantage, posting an excellent 8.77 (out of a possible 10) single-wave score for his long, technical and committed nose ride, leaving Wyton needing his best score with only 5 minutes left. Wyton found a long, reeling set wave and got to work, cross-stepping and weaving down the line to come just short of the requirement. He then found one more opportunity and combined a long, committed hang-ten with a powerful drop-knee carve to post a 7.27 to win the heat by 0.04 of a point, with his 15.04 two-wave total (out of a possible 20).

“When me and Kai were standing on the beach, we said to each other, ‘It was such a good heat. Whatever happens, it was a good heat,’” Wyton said. “I felt like I was out of it halfway through, then came back, so it was a good heat. I knew I needed a seven, but anyone in this event could get that score, so I just needed to stay mentally strong, and I got there in the end. So many of those don’t go your way, so I’m stoked to get that one. Looking at the forecast, everyone wanted to be here tomorrow, so I’m happy to give myself the opportunity to surf tomorrow, and now I can just see what happens.”

Pictured: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) on his way to the Quarterfinals at Bells Beach. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers

Young Guns Earn Quarterfinal Berths at Bells Beach

Today, John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) showed some of the form that got him to a second-place finish at the Surf City Elsalvador Longboard Classic last year, earning a 13.47 two-wave total to dispatch of French veteran Edouard Delpero (FRA). Van Hohenstein surfed with speed and flow and will hope to carry it into the Quarterfinals where he will take on Kaniela Stewart.

“It was a really good heat with Delpero; he’s a great surfer and a good person, and I love his style,” Van Hohenstein said. “It was really tricky out there, and you had to make sure you were on the right waves that had the nice clean face on them that would reform on the inside and I was lucky enough to find a couple of them. I’m happy with my board and with the results. I just want to stay calm, relaxed and keep having fun.”

French representative Zoe Grospiron (FRA) claimed an impressive win over Avalon Gall (USA) in the Round of 16. Grospiron was in good touch with the long rights on offer at Rincon as she looks to equal or better her career-best result of an equal third place, when competition resumes on Finals Day tomorrow.

Winner of the WSL Asia Region Natsumi Taoka (JPN) claimed a massive win today, overcoming last year’s Bells runner-up Alice Lemoigne (FRA) in a close matchup in the Round of 16. Taoka was able to take a solid lead with her trademark style up and down the board, finding a number of long, critical nose rides to post a 12.50 two-wave total. Lemoigne struggled to find a rhythm, and although she was able to post a couple of scores on her hunt for the lead, neither was strong enough to take the lead, leaving Taoka to take the win and move into the Quarterfinals.

“The waves are so clean today,” Taoka said. “It’s strong offshore, but it’s really good out there. I’m so happy to have won that heat. Last year, I lost to Alice in the quarterfinals, so it’s great to have won today. I looked at the forecast, and it looks like the swell is coming tomorrow, so I’m really excited. I’m really happy with my boards at the moment, so it’s nice to have that confidence.”

The last heat of the day saw two of the Asia region’s most promising talents, Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) and Taka Inoue (JPN), go head to head in a nail-biting match-up. The two surfers both earned scores in the final minute. Esquivel was able to get the nod in the end, winning the super close match-up with a two-wave total of 13.00.

World Champions Dominate Day 3 of Competiton

Kai Sallas (HAW) has given himself every chance to go back-to-back at Bells Beach, with the reigning World Champion earning a solid heat win in the Round of 16. Sallas won with a 12.37 two-wave total which was the second highest of the men’s Round of 16. All three women’s World Champions that won today had one of the highest heat totals of the women’s Round of 16, including Soleil Errico (USA), Honolua Blomfield (HAW) and Rachael Tilly (USA).

Reigning three-time World Longboard Champion Soleil Errico (USA) was the standout performer of the women’s Round of 16, posting a two-wave total of 13.77 (out of a possible 20) to overcome Kaede Inoue (JPN). Errico showed why she is the reigning event winner at Bells, finding the best waves of the 30-minute matchup and then performing, turning and weaving between long, committed nose rides.

“I was fortunate to get a good wave as soon as the heat started,” Errico said. “It reminded me a lot of hightide Malibu out there, so I was just doing my thing and felt right at home out there. We’re surfing Rincon, and I definitely like that wave the most. It has a good line to it, so I just went into it with a game plan similar to last year. I’m feeling calm and confident at the moment, and that’s a good feeling.”

Another three-time World Longboard Champion who took a convincing win today was Honolua Blomfield (HAW) who was able to overcome an inform Chloe Coleman (USA) in Heat 7 of the Round of 16. Blomfield surfed with style, looking relaxed on the nose through steep sections and turning with power back into the pocket. Blomfield will take on Mason Schremmer (USA) in the Quarterfinals tomorrow.

The call for tomorrow, Sunday, July 21, is for a 7:50 a.m. AEST start to competition.

For highlights from today’s competition at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Elimination Round Remaining Results:
HEAT 5: Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) 11.60 DEF. Max Weston (AUS) 7.00
HEAT 6: Kai Hamase (JPN) 13.06 DEF. Chase Lieder (USA) 8.03
HEAT 7: Taka Inoue (JPN) 12.10 DEF. Ignacio Pignataro (URY) 10.34
HEAT 8: Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 11.17 DEF. Martin Coret (FRA) 8.00Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 11.10 DEF. Natalia Wunderlich (HAW) 8.80
HEAT 2: Rachael Tilly (USA) 13.33 DEF. Tully White (AUS) 11.36
HEAT 3: Sophia Culhane (HAW) 12.16 DEF. Emma Perrier (AUS) 10.27
HEAT 4: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 12.50 DEF. Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 10.60
HEAT 5: Soleil Errico (USA) 13.77 DEF. Kaede Inoue (JPN) 9.50
HEAT 6: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 12.30 DEF. Avalon Gall (USA) 10.60
HEAT 7: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 13.03 DEF. Chloe Coleman (USA) 10.34
HEAT 8: Mason Schremmer (USA) 9.14 DEF. Kirra Molnar (AUS) 7.10Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 11.00 DEF. Sam Christianson (RSA) 9.34
HEAT 2: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 13.47 DEF. Edouard Delpero (FRA) 10.73
HEAT 3: Ben Skinner (GBR) 10.90 DEF. Kai Hamase (JPN) 7.60
HEAT 4: Declan Wyton (AUS) 15.04 DEF. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) 15.00
HEAT 5: Kai Sallas (HAW) 12.37 DEF. Clinton Guest (AUS) 11.50
HEAT 6: Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) 13.00 DEF. Taka Inoue (JPN) 12.77Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) vs. Rachael Tilly (USA)
HEAT 2: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Natsumi Taoka (JPN)
HEAT 3: Soleil Errico (USA) vs. Zoe Grospiron (FRA)
HEAT 4: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Mason Schremmer (USA)Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Round of 16 Remaining Matchups:
HEAT 7: Taylor Jensen (USA) vs. Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW)
HEAT 8: Tony Silvagni (USA) vs. Kevin Skvarna (USA)Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) vs. John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW)
HEAT 2: Ben Skinner (GBR) vs. Declan Wyton (AUS)
HEAT 3: Kai Sallas (HAW) vs. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL)
HEAT 4: TBCFor more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Sees First Eliminations on Day 2
Great Britain’s Ben Skinner Sets The Bar High at Bells
Women’s Top Seeds Bounce Back in Elimination Round
Longboard Tour Upstarts Book Spots in Round of 16

Pictured: Ben Skinner (GRB) posting the highest heat total of the event so far at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic today. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers

BELLS BEACH, Victoria, Australia (Friday, July 19, 2024) – Day 2 of the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, Stop No. 1 of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour (LT), has seen the first competitors eliminated from competition. The Rincon section of Bells Beach offered competitors clean surf in the two-foot range with cross-shore winds making things tough for surfers at times throughout the day as the women’s Elimination Round and heats 1 – 4 of the men’s Elimination Round were completed.

Great Britain’s Ben Skinner Sets The Bar High at Bells

Ben Skinner (GRB) has bounced back from a trip to the Elimination Round, taking an emphatic victory today at Bells with the highest single wave and heat total of the event so far. Skinner earned a two-wave total of 16.16 (out of a possible 20), which included an 8.83 (out of a possible 10). Skinner’s excellent ride came from a long hang-ten into a five, both through critical sections, then finishing the wave with a powerful rebound to convincingly win over Victoria Trials winner Gavin Idone (USA).

“It’s definitely tricky out there with that bit of devil wind, so it’s all about picking the right waves and being super selective,” Skinner said. “It reminds me a lot of home out there at the moment, not just the temperature but the waves as well. I feel like I’ve been put in good stead for this event. This is a board I shaped myself, and there’s no doubt I feel really attached to my equipment. It’s a really nice feeling to be riding something that you’ve put so much love and energy into, and it’s even better when you do well on them.”

Pictured: Rachael Tilly (USA) on her way to the Round of 16 at Bells Beach. Credit: © WSL / Nic Stephens

Women’s Top Seeds Bounce Back in Elimination Round

Reigning Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic runner-up Alice Lemoigne (FRA) was not expected to be competing in the Elimination Round, but after a shock loss yesterday, she found herself battling for survival against teenage sensation Sakura Inoue (JPN). The pair went back-to-back waves throughout the heat, with Lemoigne holding a slim lead for the majority of the matchup. Inoue fought hard to come back but was unable to find a wave that offered her the opportunity to move into the lead, leaving Lemoigne to progress into the Round of 16 as she looks to go one step further in 2024.

“The waves during that heat were super difficult with the wind blowing up the face,” said Lemoigne. “It was super hard, so I’m really happy to have made it through. It’s good to get the nerves out of the system, though. I want to focus on getting good waves and having fun in my next few heats. I think the nerves mainly came from being in the elimination round, but I’m just happy to have made it, as the waves in the coming days could be amazing.”

2015 WSL World Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA) bounced back from a tough Opening Round loss, posting the highest two-wave total of the women’s Elimination Round. Tilly’s 12.83 came from not only her wave selection but also her style and grace up and down the board and on the nose. Tilly overcame good friend and local surfer Beatrice Conroy (AUS) and will now shift her focus to the Round of 16, where she will take on Sydney’s Tully White (AUS) in Heat 2.

“I knew that heat would be a tough one against Beatrice (Conroy),” Tilly said. “The first friend I made from the local crew here in Torquay was been, so it was tough to come up against her. She has taught me so much about this wave and this place, so it was hard to come up against her, and the fact it was in the elimination round made it even more nervous, so I’m happy to have made it through. This can be a really hard wave to surf, so I was focussed on not sitting too far out because that can be an easy mistake to make and also just to try and stay busy, and not think cold thoughts and stay loose.”

Longboard Tour Upstarts Book Spots in Round of 16

Australian’s Emma Perrier (AUS) and Declan Wyton (AUS) have booked themselves spots into the Round of 16 as they each look for maiden wins on the WSL Longboard Tour. Perrier took an impressive win in what is her first appearance at the elite level. Wyton overcame fellow Aussie and local hopeful Ben Considine (AUS) with a commanding performance at Rincon.

Natalia Wunderlich (HAW), Sophia Culhane (HAW), Chloe Coleman (USA), and John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) were other tour newcomers who were able to make it through the Elimination Round and into the Round of 16.

The next call will be tomorrow, Saturday, July 20, at 7:45 a.m. AEST for a possible 8:05 a.m. start.

For highlights from today’s competition at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Elimination Round Results:
HEAT 1: Sophia Culhane (HAW) 10.43 DEF. Molly Powell (AUS) 6.23
HEAT 2: Natalia Wunderlich (HAW) 11.37 DEF. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) 9.93
HEAT 3: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 9.97 DEF. Sakura Inoue (JPN) 9.23
HEAT 4: Emma Perrier (AUS) 7.27 DEF. Keani Canullo (HAW) 7.20
HEAT 5: Rachael Tilly (USA) 12.83 DEF. Beatrice Conroy (AUS) 9.50
HEAT 6: Kirra Molnar (AUS) 7.16 DEF. Emily Currie (GBR) 5.24
HEAT 7: Avalon Gall (USA) 8.00 DEF. Roisin Carolan (AUS) 5.80
HEAT 8: Chloe Coleman (USA) 6.33 DEF. Sive Jarrard (ASM) 4.80Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Elimination Round Results (Heats 1 – 4):
HEAT 1: Ben Skinner (GBR) 16.16 DEF. Gavin Idone (USA) 8.54
HEAT 2: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 10.83 DEF. António Dantas (POR) 6.54
HEAT 3: Declan Wyton (AUS) 12.50 DEF. Ben Considine (AUS) 6.60
HEAT 4: Kevin Skvarna (USA) 10.20 DEF. Alexandre Escobar (BRA) 5.86Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Elimination Round Remaining Matchups:
HEAT 5: Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) vs. Max Weston (AUS)
HEAT 6: Chase Lieder (USA) vs. Kai Hamase (JPN)
HEAT 7: Taka Inoue (JPN) vs. Ignacio Pignataro (URY)
HEAT 8: Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Martin Coret (FRA)Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) vs. Natalia Wunderlich (HAW)
HEAT 2: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Tully White (AUS)
HEAT 3: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Emma Perrier (AUS)
HEAT 4: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Natsumi Taoka (JPN)
HEAT 5: Soleil Errico (USA) vs. Kaede Inoue (JPN)
HEAT 6: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) vs. Avalon Gall (USA)
HEAT 7: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Chloe Coleman (USA)
HEAT 8: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Kirra Molnar (AUS)For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

Elimination Round Called ON at Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic
Women’s Elimination Round to Commence at 7:50 a.m. Friday AEST (1150am Thursday HI Time)
Men’s Elimination Round to Follow

Pictured: Hawaii’s Sophia Culhane (HAW) will hit the water in Heat 1 of the Elimination Round at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic this morning. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers

BELLS BEACH, Victoria, Australia (Friday, July 19, 2024) – The Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, Stop No. 1 of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour (LT), will continue this morning with the Elimination Rounds of competition. Heat 1 of the women’s Elimination Round will commence at 7:50 a.m. AEST with the men’s Elimination Round to follow. Bells Beach is delivering super clean surf in the two-foot range with moderate off-shore winds, which should make for an exciting day of competition.

The opening heat of the day will see Hawaii’s Sophia Culhane (HAW) take on local hopeful Molly Powell (AUS), who will look to give the Torquay crowd something to cheer about with a Round of 16 berth.

Former World Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA) has found herself in the unfamiliar position of battling in the Elimination Round and will need to get past Beatrice Conroy (AUS) in Heat 5 if she’s a chance of booking a spot in the Finals here at Bells.

Heat 1 of the men’s Elimination Round will see English event hopeful Ben Skinner (GBR) take on the Victoria Trials winner Gavin Idone (USA) as both competitors search for a spot in the Round of 16.

Watch the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Elimination Round Matchups:

HEAT 1: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Molly Powell (AUS)
HEAT 2: Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) vs. Natalia Wunderlich (HAW)
HEAT 3: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Sakura Inoue (JPN)
HEAT 4: Keani Canullo (HAW) vs. Emma Perrier (AUS)
HEAT 5: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Beatrice Conroy (AUS)
HEAT 6: Kirra Molnar (AUS) vs. Emily Currie (GBR)
HEAT 7: Avalon Gall (USA) vs. Roisin Carolan (AUS)
HEAT 8: Sive Jarrard (ASM) vs. Chloe Coleman (USA)

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Ben Skinner (GBR) vs. Gavin Idone (USA)
HEAT 2: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. António Dantas (POR)
HEAT 3: Declan Wyton (AUS) vs. Ben Considine (AUS)
HEAT 4: Kevin Skvarna (USA) vs. Alexandre Escobar (BRA)
HEAT 5: Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) vs. Max Weston (AUS)
HEAT 6: Chase Lieder (USA) vs. Kai Hamase (JPN)
HEAT 7: Taka Inoue (JPN) vs. Ignacio Pignataro (URY)
HEAT 8: Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Martin Coret (FRA)

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW…DAY ONE AND PRE

DAY ONE: Opening Round Kicked Off Competition at 2024 Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic
Strong Performances From Fresh Competitors and Veterans Alike
Kaleopaa Leads Hawaiian Charge On Day 1 at Bells
Victoria Trials Winner Goes Big in Women’s Opening Round

Pictured: Hawaii’s Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) was a standout on the opening day of competition at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic today. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers

BELLS BEACH, Victoria, Australia (Thursday, July 18, 2024) – Competition has kicked off at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic stop No. 1 of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour (LT) with the men’s and women’s Opening Rounds being completed on Day 1. The world’s best longboard surfers put on a show as Bells Beach delivered semi-clean waves in the two-to-three-foot range that improved throughout the day as the completion of 16 heats saw the stage set for the Elimination Round.

Pictured: Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) posted the highest two-wave total of the event so far on Day 1 of the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic. Credit: © WSL / Nic Stephens

Strong Performances From Fresh Competitors and Veterans Alike

After a slow start to his heat, Central Coast representative Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) was the standout of the men’s Opening Round, posting a 15.03 two-wave total (out of a possible 20), which included a 7.70 (out of a possible 10), the highest single ride of the event so far. Ellice-Flint’s style in transition from rail to nose-rides was effortless and a great match for the waves at Rincon on Day 1, and he was able to do it all in the last few minutes of the matchup. His win sees him progress into the Round of 16 whilst his opponents António Dantas (POR) and Declan Wyton (AUS) will head to the Elimination Round when competition resumes tomorrow.

“We didn’t have a wave for the first fifteen minutes of that heat, so I tried to stay really busy towards the end, and I managed to lock into a few nice inside runners,” Ellice-Flint said. “I feel like Rincon is perfect for transitional surfing. There is a pocket there, and when you exit the pocket, you can re-engage and then point and shoot. I’m riding a board that I hand-shaped and designed myself, and it is something I’ve been working on for a couple of years and just stumbled upon just recently, which was cool. I’m enjoying it.”

Other tour youngsters finding heat wins on Day 1 included Tully White (AUS) and Zoe Grospiron (FRA), as well as Mason Schremmer (USA) and Sam Christianson (RSA), who both snuck through into the Round of 16 with last-minute changes in their opening heats.

North Carolina’s Tony Silvagni (USA) showed his experience in the Opening Round of competition at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, playing the patient game to eventually earn a two-wave total of 13.60, the second-highest of the event so far. Silvagni’s power and poise were enough to overcome countryman Kevin Skvarna (USA) and Ignacio Pignataro (URY), as Silvagni will now shift his focus to the Round of 16.

“It feels good to be here. It’s an honour to be able to surf at Bells Beach and have some really fun waves,” Silvagni said. “I knew that patience would be the game in that heat. You only have 30 minutes, and you have to find the few waves that will connect all the way through and double up, so it was all about waiting for the best waves. I’m on a great board from Bill Stewart and just happy to be here surfing and competing.”

Other veterans who earned spots in the Round of 16 included three-time WSL World Longboard Champions Soleil Errico (USA) and Taylor Jensen (USA), along with Clinton Guest (AUS), Edouard Delpero (FRA) and Japan’s Natsumi Taoka (JPN).

Pictured: Kai Sallas (HAW) on his way to the Round of 16 at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers

Kaleopaa Leads Hawaiian Charge On Day 1 at Bells

It was a strong day of performances for the Hawaiian contingent of competitors with the likes of Kaniela Stewart (HAW), reigning World Champion Kai Sallas (HAW), three-time World Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW) and Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) all progressing into the Round of 16 on Day 1. As conditions improved in the afternoon, Kaleopaa took full advantage, earning a 12.50 two-wave total, which was the highest of the women’s event so far.

“It was actually really fun out there,” Kaleopaa said. “The wind turned around and the sun came out, it was really nice. It’s been pretty hectic the last couple of days, so we’re all really happy to have these conditions. I had a tricky time here last year, it was my first time here so I definitely want to improve this time around. I felt good then, so I’m looking forward to the next few days.”

Pictured: Kaede Inoue (JPN) posting the second highest heat total of the event so far. Credit: © WSL / Cait Miers

Victoria Trials Winner Goes Big in Women’s Opening Round

Victoria Trials winner Kaede Inoue (JPN) took an impressive win in Heat 3 of the women’s Opening Round. Inoue performed long nose-rides and showed commitment to the end section to post a solid two-wave total of 14.17. Inoue’s brother and sister, Taka and Sakura, are also competing at Bells this week and were unable to move into the Round of 16 so will battle it out in the Elimination Round tomorrow.

“My brother was in the heat before me, and he didn’t get many good waves, so I was really nervous,” Inoue said. “Fortunately, it seemed to turn on during my heat, and I managed to get some good waves, so I’m really happy to win that heat. I knew that it would be really important to finish my waves, and so I wanted to ride out of maneuvers on the shore break, which was very difficult, but it seemed to work for me.”

The next call will be tomorrow, Friday, July 19, at 7:15 a.m. AEST for a possible 7:35 a.m. start.

For highlights from today’s competition at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Opening Round Results:
HEAT 1: Taylor Jensen (USA) 12.87 DEF. Max Weston (AUS) 11.90, Chase Lieder (USA) 8.66
HEAT 2: Clinton Guest (AUS) 10.70 DEF. Ben Skinner (GBR) 10.50, Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 6.86
HEAT 3: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 13.33 DEF. Ben Considine (AUS) 9.33, Martin Coret (FRA) 6.34
HEAT 4: Kai Sallas (HAW) 13.23 DEF. Gavin Idone (USA) 11.10, Kai Hamase (JPN) 8.66
HEAT 5: Tony Silvagni (USA) 13.60 DEF. Kevin Skvarna (USA) 10.00, Ignacio Pignataro (URY) 8.94
HEAT 6: Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) 15.03 DEF. António Dantas (POR) 6.00, Declan Wyton (AUS) 3.83
HEAT 7: Edouard Delpero (FRA) 10.56 DEF. Alexandre Escobar (BRA) 6.94, John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 5.93
HEAT 8: Sam Christianson (RSA) 9.73 DEF. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) 9.16, Taka Inoue (JPN) 7.07Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Opening Round Results:
HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 11.73 DEF. Beatrice Conroy (AUS) 8.60, Keani Canullo (HAW) 4.67
HEAT 2: Kaede Inoue (JPN) 14.17 DEF. Sophia Culhane (HAW) 10.20, Kirra Molnar (AUS) 8.60
HEAT 3: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 12.97 DEF. Sive Jarrard (ASM) 8.44, Sakura Inoue (JPN) 7.80
HEAT 4: Soleil Errico (USA) 10.56 DEF. Chloe Coleman (USA) 9.20, Molly Powell (AUS) 4.97
HEAT 5: Mason Schremmer (USA) 7.70 DEF. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) 6.54, Roisin Carolan (AUS) 4.37
HEAT 6: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 10.63 DEF. Natalia Wunderlich (HAW) 10.00, Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 9.00
HEAT 7: Tully White (AUS) 10.20 DEF. Rachael Tilly (USA) 9.36, Emma Perrier (AUS) 7.67
HEAT 8: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 10.43 DEF. Avalon Gall (USA) 9.40, Emily Currie (GBR) 6.70Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Ben Skinner (GBR) vs. Gavin Idone (USA)
HEAT 2: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. António Dantas (POR)
HEAT 3: Declan Wyton (AUS) vs. Ben Considine (AUS)
HEAT 4: Kevin Skvarna (USA) vs. Alexandre Escobar (BRA)
HEAT 5: Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) vs. Max Weston (AUS)
HEAT 6: Chase Lieder (USA) vs. Kai Hamase (JPN)
HEAT 7: Taka Inoue (JPN) vs. Ignacio Pignataro (URY)
HEAT 8: Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Martin Coret (FRA)Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Molly Powell (AUS)
HEAT 2: Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) vs. Natalia Wunderlich (HAW)
HEAT 3: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Sakura Inoue (JPN)
HEAT 4: Keani Canullo (HAW) vs. Emma Perrier (AUS)
HEAT 5: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Beatrice Conroy (AUS)
HEAT 6: Kirra Molnar (AUS) vs. Emily Currie (GBR)
HEAT 7: Avalon Gall (USA) vs. Roisin Carolan (AUS)
HEAT 8: Sive Jarrard (ASM) vs. Chloe Coleman (USA)For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

FIRST UPDATE BELOW…KICK OFF

Competition Called ON at Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic

Men’s Opening Round to Commence at 8:05 a.m. AEST (20 hours ahead of Hawaii…so 12:05pm Wednesday)

Women’s Opening Round to Follow

Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

OR ON YOUTUBE HERE

(Side note: The Challenger Series moves to South Africa for its third event of the season.

At one of the country’s premier breaks, Ballito is a battle between young surfers fighting for the dream of making the Championship Tour and former CT competitors driven to requalify.

Pictured: Three-time WSL World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen (USA) will hit the water in Heat 1 of the Opening Round of the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic this morning. Credit: © WSL / Ed Sloane

BELLS BEACH, Victoria, Australia (Thursday, July 18, 2024) – Day 1 of the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, Stop No. 1 of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour (LT), will get underway this morning with the Opening Rounds of competition. Heat 1 of the men’s Opening Round will commence at 8:05 a.m. AEST with the women’s Opening Round to follow. Bells Beach is delivering fun surf in the two-to-three-foot range with light winds.

The opening heat of the day will witness three-time WSL World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen (USA) taking on Chase Lieder (USA) and Max Weston (AUS) as all three competitors look to get their 2024 season off to the perfect start here at Bells Beach.

Reigning Bells Beach event winner and World Champion Kai Sallas (HAW) will take on Kai Hamase (JPN) and Victoria Trials winner Gavin Idone (USA) in Heat 4 of the Opening Round.

Three-time WSL World Longboard Champion Honolua Blomfield (HAW) will do battle with fellow Hawaiian Keani Canullo (HAW) and Australian Beatrice Conroy (AUS) in the first heat of the women’s Opening Round later today.

Reigning WSL World Longboard Champion Soleil Errico (USA) will hope to continue her great relationship with Bells Beach when she takes on Chloe Coleman (USA) and Molly Powell (AUS) in Heat 4 of the women’s Opening Round.

Watch the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Opening Men’s Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Taylor Jensen (USA) vs. Chase Lieder (USA) vs. Max Weston (AUS)
HEAT 2: Ben Skinner (GBR) vs. Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Clinton Guest (AUS)
HEAT 3: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) vs. Martin Coret (FRA) vs. Ben Considine (AUS)
HEAT 4: Kai Sallas (HAW) vs. Kai Hamase (JPN) Gavin Idone (USA)
HEAT 5: Tony Silvagni (USA) vs. Kevin Skvarna (USA) vs. Ignacio Pignataro (URY)
HEAT 6: Declan Wyton (AUS) vs. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) vs. António Dantas (POR)
HEAT 7: Edouard Delpero (FRA) vs. John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Alexandre Escobar (BRA)
HEAT 8: Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) vs. Taka Inoue (JPN) vs. Sam Christianson (RSA)Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Opening Women’s Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Keani Canullo (HAW) vs. Beatrice Conroy (AUS)
HEAT 2: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Kirra Molnar (AUS) vs. Kaede Inoue (JPN)
HEAT 3: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) vs. Sive Jarrard (ASM) vs. Sakura Inoue (JPN)
HEAT 4: Soleil Errico (USA) vs. Chloe Coleman (USA) vs. Molly Powell (AUS)
HEAT 5: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) vs. Roisin Carolan (AUS)
HEAT 6: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Natsumi Taoka (JPN) vs. Natalia Wunderlich (HAW)
HEAT 7: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Tully White (AUS) vs. Emma Perrier (AUS)
HEAT 8: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) vs. Avalon Gall (USA) vs. Emily Currie (GBR)For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.